Chapter 55
Elizabeth was walking in Hyde Park with Darcy the next day after breakfast. He had called early at Matlock House and they had discussed all that had occurred in Hertfordshire. She had been surprised to learn about Lord Grimsley’s presence in Hertfordshire and his friendship with her father.
“He seems to dread society, and your father’s company likely offers an escape from his loneliness. Grief can be daunting in solitude.”
“But why my father? I am sure he could go to some friend from his own circle.”
“Your father does not ask questions or makes any judgments. They play chess and discuss books. I think he enjoys the simplicity of it.”
“Mr. Darcy,” their conversation was interrupted by a matron hailing at them.
“Mrs. Granville,” Darcy greeted the lady and then performed the introductions.
“Miss Elizabeth, you have surely taken London society by storm.”
“I never had any such intent, Mrs. Granville.”
“Did you not? An unknown lady from the country compromises the most sought-after bachelor and she is the one the ton is sympathising with.”
“Mrs. Granville, I am not sure what you are trying to insinuate,” Darcy asked sternly.
“Nothing more than what your aunt, Lady Catherine, was saying. I understand Miss Bennet has a prior acquaintance with her.”
“Mrs. Granville, my acquaintance with Lady Catherine is very recent. I am sure she is just worried about her nephew for she was not aware of our attachment,” Elizabeth responded as politely as possible.
“Miss Elizabeth, how wonderful to see you. Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bingley approached them.
“Miss Bingley, it is good to see you too,” Elizabeth replied, surprised at this warm greeting.
“Miss Bingley,” Darcy greeted in a clipped tone.
“Mrs. Granville, you seem to have gained the coveted introduction to Miss Elizabeth,” Caroline turned towards the lady.
“Oh! I hardly care about such things, Miss Bingley, but you seem to be well acquainted with each other.”
“Yes, of course. Miss Elizabeth is a neighbour from Hertfordshire. The Bennets have been the leading land owners for generations in the neighbourhood,” Miss Bingley replied with a smile, much to the confusion of Darcy and the amusement of Elizabeth.
“Not after this generation from what I understand. Is not your father’s estate entailed on Lady Catherine’s parson.”
“You know how these things are, Mrs. Granville. Mr. Darcy has himself inherited his cousin’s estate through an entail only a few months back,” Elizabeth replied sweetly.
“As did your good father, if I am not mistaken,” Miss Bingley supplied.
Darcy stared in confusion between Elizabeth and Caroline, not sure what he was witnessing.
“Oh! Well, I was just repeating what I had heard from Lady Catherine.”
“Mrs. Granville, I hope you appreciate Lady Catherine’s position. To be a mother of a marriageable daughter, and then to have the most sought-after bachelor as her own nephew. I am sure you agree that her disappointment is understandable, unlike the unreasonable hopes of the rest of the ton.
“My aunt was close to my mother and built some hopes for the children’s union after her sister’s untimely death,” Darcy replied.
“Yes, of course, I wish you the best Mr. Darcy, Miss Bennet,” Mrs. Granville finally took her leave.
“Miss Bingley, I thank you for your assistance,” Elizabeth said once Mrs. Granville was out of earshot.
“Miss Elizabeth, we are to be a family. Besides, I have never quite liked Mrs. Granville,” Caroline replied with a roll of her eyes.
Darcy also thanked Miss Bingley as she took her leave and then asked Elizabeth about the whole exchange.
“Oh! Nothing. Benefits of being the future Mrs. Darcy. She has realised that while you are still an important connection to maintain, I am the one who will truly matter to her in society.”
“I see. I never thought I would be so easily replaced.”
“Not replaced, just not important enough.”
“Well speaking of your importance, when do you plan to become Mrs. Darcy? I still have to talk to Lady Matlock regarding the special licence, but we do need to have a date settled.”
“Jane and Bingley have decided for a date next month. Mr. Bingley will send a letter to Papa to get the banns called in Meryton. I would like to stand up with Jane and have her stand up with me so a date closer to their wedding would be perfect.”
“Let me talk to Bingley and see what can be arranged.”
“I was hoping to ask Mama to travel to Longbourn once the wedding date is fixed. The gossip will be old news by then.”
“Yes, she should be introduced to Grimsley also before he meets you. He will lose any designs that he may still possess towards you,” Darcy replied with a straight face.
“Fitzwilliam!” Elizabeth exclaimed as she struck his arm playfully. “That was mean and you never know my mother may yet decide he is destined for Lydia.”
“I cannot imagine a more unsuited pair; speaking of your sister, I had meant to tell you that Miss Catherine seems to have matured a good deal. She was perfectly behaved when I visited Hertfordshire.”
“That is good news indeed. Papa had mentioned taking over her education, but I had not expected much change so soon. It could be that the distance from Lydia has done her good,” Elizabeth replied as she considered the whole situation.
“Maybe we could invite her for a long visit to Pemberley once you are settled,” Darcy offered to Elizabeth’s surprise.
“Well, let us get married first before we begin arranging the future,” Elizabeth tugged at Darcy’s arm.
They soon returned to Matlock House where the matter of the wedding date was discussed with Lady Matlock and Jane.
“I had hoped that we may get married in the same ceremony, Lizzy. If you and Mr. Darcy marry by common licence that could be possible,” Jane said hopefully.
“I would not recommend it, Miss Bennet. The gossip will ensure that Meryton will be filled with curious onlookers. It would turn your special day into a circus,” Lady Matlock said, then turning towards Darcy she continued, “Your uncle did mention your desire for a special licence, Darcy. I am sure my brother will accommodate you.”
“We can still get married the same day, Miss Bennet. You and Bingley may get married in the Meryton church and then Elizabeth and I will be married at Longbourn before the wedding breakfast,” Darcy said haltingly.
“Actually, that may be the best idea. There would be no need for anyone but family to know of the second wedding till it actually happens. Miss Bennet and Mr. Bingley’s wedding will provide us with a perfect reason for travelling to Hertfordshire,” Lady Matlock answered thoughtfully.
“Lizzy, I will be overjoyed if we could get married the same day. We may also be able to stand up with each other without delaying either of our wedding trips,” Jane said hopefully.
Elizabeth and Darcy stared at each other as Elizabeth whispered, “Mama.”